I love it
High-beam doesn't stay on.
Door stop makes loud cracking noise.
This Italian compact hatch is very underrated.
It handles well and rides OK.
The engine is a bit on the loud side, but at least it sounds fantastic.
Although this is the base model, it is pretty quick.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th July, 2009
Great looking car that drives just as good
Several replacements of brakes, seems to wear through these quickly.
Twice I have burst the sump cover, its hard to believe just how low the front of this car sits.
Timing belt 70,000.
This car is great to drive and quite responsive when needed. As long as there is good rubber on it handles well, but break wear can be a problem. It can be difficult to find a perfect driving position, but I guess this is a Fiat/Alfa problem, they just don't seem able to get the steering wheel/seat combination correct on any of there cars. Running costs are high and parts are very very expensive, over £200 for a rear part of exhaust, this on a '97 car? Sometimes you have to pay to have fun I guess.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th March, 2005
A high performance bargain. Hear it to believe
It was in a crash.
The car is very quick and handles beauifully... but... the true selling point of this car is its cacophonous induction roar. People streets away turn and look as it tears up the road before it in an harmonious melee of controlled angry garbling. If cars were sold on sound alone, this car is better than anything. The twin sparks create a beautifully melodic racing hummmmm at high rpm and a menacing growl at low RPM. Truly the greatest sounding machine in the world.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th August, 2003
The best car I have ever owned
Amazingly for an Alfa Romeo - nothing!
At 140bhp the 1.8 only gave away 10 hp to the Cloverleaf so it felt and drove the same in everyday British traffic.
The engine has to be one of the greatest 4 cylinder engines in the world, quiet, refined and more responsive than BMW's fours.
For a car from a manufacturer that has great history and not much else I took a gamble and had 5 years of driving delight.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th April, 2003
Very fast and stylish
Entire alarm and immobiliser had to be replaced.
Rear windscreen wiper motor had to be replaced.
Definitely prone to loose electrical connections and wiring.
Very fast car and handles beautifully.
Stylish and quirky looks. The car is relatively uncommon.
The car audio system is in a terrible position.
Servicing and repairs are very expensive and waiting time for the dealerships is a problem (especially in London).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th July, 2001
I purchased a new 145 Cloverleaf in Aug 97 and my experiences virtually mirror the above comments. Mileage 60,000 now. Last service pricey as the platinum plugs (8 of them) needed replacing. Can't grumble - first plug replacements!!
Dealers lousy and remind me of British Leyland dealers in the 70s. Only exception is St Leonards Motors in Hastings. The first caring Alfa dealer that knows what they are about.
If anyone is looking for a good Alfa dealership in North-West then try Nigel Lythgoe Alfa/Fiat dealership in Rochdale, Lancs. I live in London but regularly travel to North-West and entrust them with my Alfa anytime rather than the expensive, unprofessional and poor standards that I have come to expect of the few London Alfa dealers.
Why did you have to have the immobiliser and locks replaced? Did you lose the red master key I wonder, then realised you needed more keys?
Good fun at a price
Right rear shock absorber packed up at 50000 kms.
Eats front tires. The alignment always seems to be out and requires frequent adjustment.
Fan relay replaced at 40000 kms.
Build quality not great.
Handling and performance great.
Almost as much fun to drive as my 911 Porsche.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th May, 2000
Sensor on the exhaust.
Great acceleration with fine handling and poise.
Build quality could be better, but who cares when you are having this much fun.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th July, 1998
15th May 2005, 14:19
I have a car the same as yours, I agree the engine sounds great, but wait until you drive a V6 alfa the sound will take your breath away. Especially the earlier 12 valve units in the 75, 164 and 155. The 24 valve sounds good, but doesn't have quite a seamless wail.